As the title implies, Music Therapy is the clinical use of music to accomplish individualized therapeutic treatment relationship using music as a therapeutic means of address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
It may sound strange to most people, but Music Therapy is an established and proved form of therapy. Just think of how often when we are stressed, upset or in a bad mood we listen to some favorite music to calm ourselves. That’s the same basic purpose for Music Therapy, but in a far more structured and professional form.
After assessing the needs of each client, a qualified music therapist provides the appropriate treatment, which can include having a patient sing, dance/move to, and/or listening and even create music. Through involvement, a patient/client can strengthen their self-confidence which are transferred to other areas of their life. Music therapy also provides for greater ability for communication to those who find it difficult expressing themselves or interacting with others.
Music therapy has proved itself in many areas and goals: Promoting Wellness, Managing Stress, Alleviating Pain, Expressing Feelings, Enhancing Memory, Improving Communication and to Promote and Support Physical Rehabilitation.
Music therapy It supports and increases a person’s motivation to be engaged in their own treatment as well as providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings.
As such music therapy is not a “passive” treatment for a patient, but one that the patients themselves are involved in their own therapy. It may not be as well-known as other musical venues, but music, in all its forms, is essentially the same: To uplift, inspire, calm, energize, sooth or heal as needed.